This essay aims to explore the significance of understanding colonialism in explaining the continuous global inequalities within the present global system. The essay explores the roots of inequalities resulting from the colonial causation to the legacy of different inequalities, namely economic, racial, and gendered and establishes that the impact of colonialism is still visible in the Global South. The paper focuses on specific case studies such as the Philippines and African countries, including Burkina Faso, to evaluate the negative consequences of the US's imperialistic policies. The paper employs the Dependency theory to explain the economic inequalities in the Philippines and Burkina Faso and highlights the racial and gendered attitudes that still exist in Africa. These case studies aid in comprehending the persistence of global disparities in the modern system due to the legacy of colonialism.

Colonial link with economic inequalities:

Colonialism has forever been linked with development and economic relations since the earliest colonization in the 15th century. The colonial era began as a strategic attempt by powerful countries to impose economic and political authority on dependent territories and subjugate entire communities. (Ypi, 2013) The colonial legacy has been responsible for the continuity of global inequalities in the present global system.

The Dependency theory posits that historical global inequality arises from powerful nations appropriating resources from weaker nations while limiting access to technology to maintain a situation where the wealthy maintain dominance while the poor continue to be dependent. (Sociology Dictionary, no date) The Dependency Theory helps in analyzing the relationship between colonialism and global disparities. It illustrates how the wealthier nations have been able to assert their dominance and create a superior relationship where the less wealthy country continues its unconditional reliance. The Dependency theory is apparent in the interview with Thomas Sankara, President of Burkina Faso in the 1980s, in the film/documentary 'Concerning Violence.' Sankara pointed out that providing food aid to his country like wheat, corn, or milk was not beneficial to his country and people. Instead, he would prefer farming equipment. (Olsson, 2014) The West African Country relies on Western aid for basic human necessities, highlighting the dependent relationship between the wealthy and less wealthy nation.

The IMF's conditions resulting from the financial aid they provided Burkina Faso left the nation with a "beggar mentality", limiting its potential for development. (Olsson, 2014) The Dependency Theory explains that the current economy of some countries is conditioned by the development and expansion of another. (Kvangraven, 2021) It noted that the West African Country relies on the West for essential goods and services, leaving them in a vulnerable position, contributing to Burkina Faso's poverty. (The World Bank, 2022)

The Dependency theory is further evident in the economic inequality of the Philippines, which were initially colonized by the Spanish until their defeat in the 1898 Spanish-American war. In 1898, the United States purchased the archipelago from the Spanish for $20 million and thus dominated the area's sovereignty. The US propelled their intent under the guise of democracy by promising "education, healthcare, and infrastructure." They sought to defend their imperialism and warrant their control through an agenda of "benevolent assimilation." Upon departing from the Philippines, the US created conditions for the so-called independence under the Bell (Philippine) Trade Act 1946, enabling the US to strike an advantageous financial deal. The agreement ensured free trade between the two countries until 1954, after which tariffs would gradually increase before reaching full-rate. (Shalom) The US had access to the Philippine's natural resources, including coconut oil, sugars, and pineapples, providing surplus to the domestic market and resulting in financial exploitation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, colonialism has contributed to the persistence of inequalities in the modern global system. The Dependency theory plays a crucial role in explaining the relationship between colonialism and global disparities. Burkina Faso and the Philippines are apt case studies showcasing the negative consequences of imperialistic policies, resulting in economic, racial, and gendered inequalities. The use of impoverished countries by wealthier countries for resources and technology, keeping the poor dependent, is a way that colonial legacy continues to negatively impact global disparities. Understanding colonialism's historical and contemporary impact is necessary for addressing and eliminating global inequality.

The practice of profiting from imperialist endeavors was predicated on unequal trade and financial exploitation. This piece aims to examine the link between colonialism and historical racial inequality. Even to this day, developing nations predominantly populated by black individuals are viewed as in need of assistance from white, Western countries. This brings the question of whether or not this is a lasting legacy of colonialism, in which black people in underdeveloped areas are subconsciously viewed through a racialized and social Darwinism lens. This type of thinking, which views cultural differences as static and unchangeable, led to a considerable impact on the fate of colonized people. The ideology of Social Darwinism supported policies and practices considered congruent with the national interests of white-dominant countries. This philosophy advocated civilizing "savage blacks" in underdeveloped countries by morally superior westerners. This mentality allowed the creation of conditions of mass deprivation, impoverishment and famine born from colonial exploitation to be normalized in European thinking through processes of racialization.

These beliefs have remained part of societies to this day. The case of the civil war in Somalia and the arrival of Western peacekeeping forces demonstrates this persisting impact. Razack's idea of "imperial fantasies," fantasies borne out of a sense of racial superiority, affected the perception of the Canadian peacekeeping forces. This perception was that they needed to shape these lawless and unruly people of the Global South by imposing order from the Global North. It is problematic that peacekeeping missions that aim to protect civilians and reduce violence are used discriminately, with a rhetoric similar to the original missionary missions in the colonial era. These missions must be understood through the lens of colonial attitudes, as they perpetuate the same perspectives that contribute to ongoing racial inequalities.

The legacy of colonialism also impacted gender inequality. The Christian missionaries' work in German East Africa during the colonial period, permeated the local cultures subjected to their influence, according to Montgomery's work. Within the context of colonial rule, matrilineal institutions were attacked due to the Christian missionaries' endeavor to implement typically Western patriarchal male-headed households in underdeveloped nations. The work of missionaries, who saw Christianity as necessary for civilization, resulted in a lasting impact.

It should be acknowledged that colonialism is not solely to blame for gender inequality, as some instances of inequality existed prior to colonialism within tribes and communities. However, it is widely accepted that colonialism played a significant role in the enforcement of gender stereotypes, resulting in women being relegated to lower positions within the gender hierarchy. This is especially prominent in underdeveloped countries where opportunities for women are significantly limited. In current day Africa, the legacy of colonialism has contributed to gender employment inequality, as women only account for 33% of the continent's GDP despite being over 50% of the population. As a result, it is anticipated that it will take over 140 years for Africa to reach gender parity (Moodley et al., 2019).

In conclusion, by examining various case studies, academic opinions, and sociological theories, this essay has illustrated the importance of understanding colonialism's impact on the persistence of global inequalities within the current global system. The legacy of colonialism has resulted in ongoing racialized attitudes, economic disparities, and gender inequalities in former colonies. This is evident in developing countries where destabilization and recurrent Eurocentric views continue to view these countries as inferior and in need of saving. As such, an understanding of colonial legacy is vital in sparking discussions of inequality and entrenched attitudes. Agreeing with '...'s research, it is recommended that further attention be paid to addressing the effects of colonialism on gender equality.